Preparing for Hurricane Season in the Florida Keys

Florida’s hurricane season—from June 1 through November 30—places properties in Monroe County among the most vulnerable in the U.S. Our island chain is especially exposed to intense storms, with storm surge posing a greater threat than wind alone. Here, our mantra is simple: “Hide from the wind; run from the water.”

At The Walters Luxury Group, we understand the unique challenges and privileges of island living. That’s why we’re sharing this refined preparation guide to help you safeguard your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.

1. Inspect & Fortify Your Home

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your roof, windows, doors, and overall structure—look for signs of wear or weak points.

• Reinforce your home with hurricane straps or connectors, particularly for mobile or older structures prone to uplift.

• Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. If those aren’t available, have plywood pre-cut and ready to secure openings swiftly.

• Strengthen your garage door—often the first point of failure in high winds. Consider retrofitting or upgrading to a wind-rated model.

• Clear gutters, trim trees, and remove loose debris to reduce injury from flying projectiles and ensure proper drainage.

2. Secure Outdoor Elements

• Anchor furniture, potted plants, grills, and décor before storms arrive.

• Waterfront owners should secure or lift boats and reinforce docks and moorings.

3. Review Your Insurance & Document Your Home

• Confirm both wind and flood insurance coverage—standard policies typically exclude flood damage from storm surge.

• Create a digital and physical inventory of your property with photos, videos, receipts, and policy documents.

4. Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare enough essentials to last 3 to 7 days, including:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food

• Flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers

• First-aid supplies, medications, hygiene products, and copies of IDs and insurance papers

• Cash—ATMs may be down—and a multi-tool, whistle, tarp emergency blanket

• Pet essentials (food, medications, carriers, and veterinary records)

5. Know Your Evacuation Plan

• Familiarize yourself with Monroe County’s evacuation zones and routes; evacuations can take 12–24 hours.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full, and pre-arrange a refuge—be it with family, a hotel, or a pet-friendly shelter.

• Keep important contacts and documents in a water-resistant folder or notebook that’s easily accessible.

6. Stay Informed & Connected

• Sign up for Monroe County emergency alerts, monitor the National Hurricane Center and NOAA, and follow County-issued advisories for real-time updates.

Why Early Preparation Matters in the Keys

Monroe County’s geography—an island chain stretching into both the Atlantic and Gulf—makes it uniquely susceptible to hurricanes. The lasting impacts of storms like Hurricane Irma (2017) serve as potent reminders of the stakes involved.

In Summary

1. Inspect & reinforce your home’s structural weak points.

2. Secure all exterior elements—especially boats and outdoor furnishings.

3. Verify insurance (wind and flood), and document all property.

4. Build a comprehensive emergency kit.

5. Plan your evacuation route and know your safe options.

6. Stay connected via trusted, official channels before and during storms.

As your local luxury real estate team, The Walters Luxury Group at Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty is here to support your safety as part of our commitment to every family we serve. Preparedness today protects your home—and tomorrow’s memories.

Stay safe, stay informed—and trust that your community stands ready with you.

— The Walters Luxury Group